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7 New Products to Try this Week

Wednesday, December 07, 2016

The beauty world moves fast, some might say too fast and as such you may be struggling to keep up with not only what is new but what is worthy of at least testing, the next time you venture to your local beauty hall. Rather than bombard you with endless reviews, I have hand selected seven of the best recent (or at least recent-ish) beauty launches that I think are worthy of a place within your stash.

Zoeva Strobe Gel in Corona £11 via Beauty Bay
Truthfully it doesn't matter what shade of the newly launched Zoeva Strobe Gels you purchase, the formula is equally great across the board. The reason I personally suggest Zoeva Strobe Gel in Corona is due to its diversity - not only will it suit all skin tones but the peachy-come-warm gold shade doubles up as a flattering eyeshadow too. Think of the Zoeva Strobe gels as a gentle, metallic glimmer of radiance, that dazzles in any light, rather than a glitter-laden obvious highlighter. This gives the kind of lit-from-within glow that most of us can only dream of achieving.

If ever you have struggled with the looseness of a liquid highlighter or find that cream products remove your base, it is time to try a gel texture. This is the happy medium between a liquid, cream and a powder- you have the flexibility of a liquid (i.e you can mix into other fluid products) but unlike a solid cream stick highlighter, you can dab or buff this onto the skin without disturbing any product underneath. It also doesn't hurt that this is all but fool-proof to apply; I find the almost jelly-like texture is best applied using the fingers, as the body's natural heat somewhat loosens the product, allowing it to slick onto the complexion with ease.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Thick and Thin Eyeliner £5.49 via Superdrug
I'm by no means a fan or avid consumer of liquid liner; the meme's about it being able to smell fear are eerily accurate in my experience. I smudge, smear and often sneeze mid-application, so it is going to more than a slick, black formulation to change my mind. For all those with a similar opinion and/or general lack of eyeliner application skill, maybe, just maybe, give Rimmel Scandaleyes Thick and Thin Eyeliner a chance. The chunky pen style is easy to grip, allowing you utter control and precision, the chiselled nib means you can create both fine and thick lines should you wish, but weirdly said nib makes all the difference in terms of application - it truly is a breeze and other than the shape of the applicator, I can't quite pin down why. I should also add that the Rimmel Scandaleyes Thick and Thin Eyeliner features a deep, true black liquid that isn't prone to flaking or smearing throughout the course of the day; as a side note, I have noticed that it does take up to a minute to fully set, to ensure it is transfer free but other than that, I have no complaints.

Bbrowbar Brow Build £19 via Feel Unique
Thanks to the "soap brow" tutorials on YouTube and social media, I believe that in the coming months there will be a shift in brow shape and general appearance. By mid-2017 I hink the bushy, unkempt brow will back - the good news is that it requires very little effort or upkeep and unlike say the "insta-brow", this is a look that is broadly flattering. As such, on the most part we will ditch brow pomades, powders and pencils in favour of brush on brow gels. If like myself you have fairly sparse brows, a fuller, roughed up brow can be achieved with a brow gel that contains fibres. At the moment I am enjoying Bbrowbar Brow Build, the large brush grips even the smallest of brow hairs, stretching and plumping them to their full capacity; it can also be used to tame, shape and set the eyebrows should you wish. Think of this as an instant brow in a tube.

Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in Shade 18 £11
Each Winter, I helplessly search around for what I deem to be the perfect, vampy lipstick - easier said than done when you are extremely selective. Not only do I want the ideal shade: a rich brown, with a slight plum undertone - but the formulation must also live up to expectations: entirely matte, comfortable, long-wearing and ideally affordable. The answer to all my lipstick prayers comes in the form of Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in Shade 18 - this super matte yet featherweight liquid lipstick, glides onto the lips, quickly sets and wears perfectly for hours on end, surviving both eating and drinking. With 20 shades to choose from, including this seductive berry-brown there should be something for every taste and occasion.

NARS Goulue Blush $30/£23.59
Now this may not be a new launch but it is a shade that I have only just been introduced to via Sephora VIP Rouge to which it is an exclusive (I have the gift size reward) - yeah despite living in the UK, I somehow met the spend criteria, I try not to think about it too much. If you are a member, you need to invest in this dusky-berry-come-pink blush, it adds a light, healthy hint of colour and glow to the cheeks - giving the effect of a long stroll in the great outdoors without the effort of actually partaking in physical activity. Apparently NARS Goulue Blush was part of the NARS x Guy Boudin Collection way back in 2013, so if you were a fan back then, or simply on the look out for the perfect Winter flush this should be your next purchase.

Elizabeth Arden Always Red Femme Eau De Toilette £26/30ml
I like to chop and change my fragrance with each passing season, and now that the weather is chilly and there is frost on the leaves, I have found myself craving a rich, fruity and deep scent that I can enjoy when nestled inside my Winter coat. With succulent notes of blackcurrant, vanilla, moss and cedar, Elizabeth Arden Always Red Femme Eau De Toilette was made for crisp days and thick coats - not to mention it easily transitions into a beautiful evening fragrance. If you try one new scent this month, please let it be this.

With a jam packed month (I'm sure you can relate), there is next to no time in my schedule, nor extra cash to slot in a gel manicure this month but with Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro, perhaps salon visit will become something of the past anyway. Basically this polish creates a salon-grade, high sheen finish, all the while strengthening the nail with a combination of Keratin, Biotin and Evening Primrose without the need for a UV lamp of any kind. At the moment I am wearing the shade Love Hangover which is a deep, muted mauve that is chic yet not at all stuffy.

More product recommendations in the form of illuminating heroes, in this edit of radiance providers here.